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T.S.DENiSON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W.Randolph St., Chicago 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD 
TURN 



A THREE-ACT PLAY DEPICTING TYPICAL 
SCOUT ACTIVITIES AND CAMP LIFE 



BY 

ALBERT EDMUND WESTON 
Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America 




CHIC'\GO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Stanley Burke Patrol Leader. 

Harry Carter Assistant Patrol Leader. 

Frank Douglas Scout Scribe. 

George Hicks First Class Scout. 

Simon Silver First Class Scout. 

Charlie Moore Second Class Scout. 

Hans Pretzelhaus Tenderfoot. 

ToMMiE GiBBiNS Tcndcrfoot. 

Mr. Harrison Scoutmaster. 

Morris \\^illiams Assistant Scoutmaster. 

Hugo Jackson. . . .A ToiigJi and Enemy of the Boy Scouts 

Bill Flynn One of Jackson's Cronies. 

Joe Smith Another Cronie. 

Mr. St. Clair Wealthy Banker. 

Mrs. St. Clair His Wife. 

Harold St. Clair, Aged Seven His Son. 

Helen St. Clair His Daughter. 

Thomas Servant to the St. Clairs. 



Time of Playing — One Hour and Three Ouarters. 



Act I — The Boy Scouts' Clubroom. News of the Kid- 
napping. 

AcT^n — The Scouts in Camp. On the Trail. 

A'ctJ in — The Capture of the Kidnappers. The Boy 
Sceats" Reward. 



copyright. 1917, by eben h. norris. r/f /^'^^^ 
pClD 47791 ffr 

?;FP I2I9I7 

"Tvi^ / ^ TMP92-007319 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 



SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 

Act I — The patrol meeting. Camping plans discussed. 
A sudden interruption. "Little Harold St. Clair has been 
kidnapped !" ^Ir. Harrison takes up pursuit. Boys hold 
council. They follow a clue and conclude that Hugo Jack- 
son and his cronies are the kidnappers. Hans furnishes 
some fun. Mr. Harrison returns. "The kidnappers are 
hiding in the Catskills !" Scouts determine to run them 
down. Off for camp. 

Act n — The scouts in camp. Officers hold council. 
IMorris \Mlliams relates a thrilling experience which fur- 
nishes clues. "The kidnappers are near our camp !" 
Scouts drill and plav games. Stanley Burke and Harry Car- 
ter are lost. ]\Ir. Harrison takes up the search. A lesson 
in cheerfulness. The searchers return unsuccessful. Search 
put off until morning. 

Act. hi — Scene 1 : The kidnappers' cave. A threaten- 
ing letter. Harold St. Clair shows his colors. Two boyish 
prisoners state their minds. A brutal attempt. "Saved — 
in the nick of time !" The capture of the kidnappers. The 
reformation of three young crooks. 

Act hi — Scene 2: Home of the St. Clairs. A happy 
family. The Scouts are offered a large sum of money for 
their achievement. "Scouts never take 'tips' for good turns." 
A trip to Yellowstone Park. "Three cheers for Mr. St. 
Clair and Yellowstone !" 



THE STORY OF THE PLAY. 

The Boy Scouts of the Eagle Patrol hold a meeting to 
discuss camping plans. Near the close of the meeting', one 
of the scouts rushes in with the news that little Harold St. 
Clair, the seven-year-old son of a wealthy banker, has been 
kidnapped. The scouts determine to hunt down the kid- 
nappers and rescue Harold. By following a number of 
clues, they discover that the kidnappers are none other than 



4 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Hiig-o Jackson, Bill Flynn and Joe Smith, three old enemies 
of the Boy Scouts, and that they are hiding in the Catskill 
Mountains. At once they start on the trail. 

During their first night in camp, the scouts tumble upon 
a great clue, and discover that Jackson and his cronies are 
situated in a cave not far from their camp. The next day, 
searching parties are sent out to locate the cave. Two of 
the scouts, Stanley Burke and Harry Carter, find it, but 
are captured by Jackson who binds them with heavy ropes 
and confines them in the cave. 

Meanwhile, the scouts in camp a're in a great state of 
agitation over the non-appearance of their two comrades. 
A search for them is started, but darkness falls and the 
hunt has to be discontinued. In the morning, however, 
they make a fresh start, and by following the trail of the 
two scouts, finally arrive at the cave. The kidnappers are 
captured, Harold St. Clair is rescued and the two captives 
set free. 

When Harold St. Clair is restored to his father, the lat- 
ter thanks the scouts warmly and offers to give them a large 
sum of money for their services. The scouts, however, 
politely decline to accept a "tip" for their "good turn." So 
Mr. St. Clair shows his appreciation by promising them a 
trip to Yellowstone Park, which they are indeed glad to 
accept. 

Comedy is furnished by Hans Pretzelhaus, a Dutch scout 
with a name 'and an appetite, and Simon Silver, a happy- 
go-lucky fellow with an inclination for making poetry. 
Camp life is full of fun and excitement, and offers a splen- 
did opportunity for demonstrating signalling, drilling, 
games, etc. 



. :.: CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Stanley Burke — A boy of about seventeen, with a quiet 
but dignified manner, and a quality of leadership which 
makes him loved and respected by all. Wears scout uni- 
form throughout. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 5 

Harry Carter — Boy of about seventeen, forceful, ener- 
getic, impulsive. Wears scout uniform throughout action. 

Frank Douglas — Good-natured lad of about sixteen, 
with a firm sense of friendship. Wears scout uniform 
throughout. 

George Hicks — Lively and spirited boy of about six- 
teen. Wears scout uniform throughout. 

Simon Silver — A sunny youth of about fifteen, with a 
happy disposition and a knack for making poetry. Wears 
scout suit throughout. 

Charlie Moore — Boy of about fourteen, well-disposed 
but more quiet and retiring. Wears scout uniform through- 
out. 

Hans Pretzelhaus — A Dutch lad of fourteen years, 
good-natured and jolly, though rather clumsy and awkward. 
Wears boy's suit in first part of Act I, and scout uniform 
throughout rest of play. 

ToMMiE GiBBiNS — Boy of twelve, rather impulsive and 
excitable. Wears scout uniform throughout. 

Mr. Harrison — Scoutmaster of the patrol. Wears scout- 
master's suit throughout. 

IMorris Williams — Assistant Scoutmaster, a young man 
between twenty and thirty years of age. Wears scoutmas- 
ter's suit throughout. 

Hugo Jackson — A thickset, disagreeable fellow of about 
twenty years. Wears ordinary walking suit, which is rather 
the worse for wear, and soft felt hat. 

Bill Flynn — A coarse, vulgar youth of about nineteen. 
Wears a pair of old trousers and a vest, but no coat, and 
an old felt hat. 

Joe Smitpi — About nineteen years of age, sneaky and 
shiftless. Wears rather seedy looking suit and cap pulled 
down over eyes. 

Mr. St. Clair — Wealthy gentleman, about fifty years of 
age, dignified and stately. Wears ordinary walking suit. 

Mrs. St. Clair — Refined and motherly lady. Dresses 
plainly though very neatly. 



6 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Helen St. Clair — Girl of about sixteen years, well 
dressed and attractive. 

Thomas — Middle ajred man. Wears butler's suit. 



LIST OF PROPERTIES. 

Flags, pennants, pictures, etc., for walls of clubroom. 
Two tables, several chairs. Gavel for Stanley Burke, hand- 
kerchief for Tommie, cabbage and cheese for Hans. 

Two tents, fireplace, cooking utensils, tripod, bugle. Sig- 
nal flags, paper and pencil for Harry Carter, scout whistles. 

Old table and chairs for cave, pencil and paper for Joe 
Smith, two heavy ropes. Whip for Jackson, three pairs 
handcuflfs. Scout Handbook for Bill Flynn. 

Chairs, furniture, etc., for sitting room. ^lusical instru- 
ment for Mrs. St. Clair. Handkerchief and roll of bills 
for Mr. St. Clair. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. indicates right of stage ; C, center ; R. C, right of cen- 
ter ; L., left ; U. E., upper entrance, etc. The actor is sup- 
posed to be facing the audience. 



' MAKING THE CA]\IP FIRE. 

An excellent imitation of a camp fire mav be made by 
heaping logs of wood around a lighted incandescent globe, 
extended from behind the scenes by means of a drop-cord. 
The cracks between the logs are filled in with red crepe 
paper. Caution — Do not attempt to make a real fire on 
the stage. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 



Act I. 



Scene: Inferior of Boy Scouts' Cliihroom. Table and 
chair R. facing L. for Patrol Leader, chair R. facing L. 
for Scoutmaster, chair R. facing L. for Assistant Scoutmas- 
ter, table and chair R. facing L. for Scout Scribe. Several 
chairs L. facing R. for scouts to occupy. The zvalls are 
decorated zvitJi flags, pennants, pictures of national heroes, 
etc. Scout equipment, such as drums, staffs, etc., in various 
parts of the room. 

Curtain rises discovering Stanley, Harry, Frank. 
George, Simon, Charlie, Hans, Mr. Harrison and Mr. 
Williams standing at their places ready to be seated. All 
except Hans zvear uniforms. 

Mr. Harrison. The scouts will please count off. 

(Boys count off in turn in the order given above. Num- 
ber 7 fails to respond. Hans is number 8.) I hear no re- 
sponse from number 7. Does anyone know why Scout Gib- 
bins is absent? 

Charlie {rising and saluting). I know, sir. He went 
on an important errand for Mr. St. Clair. He said he 
would come to the meeting as soon as he could. 

Mr. Harrison. Very well. We will proceed with our 
business without him. Scouts please be seated. (Boys sit 
dozun.) 

Stanley (rapping ga,vel). The meeting will please come 
to order. 

]\Ir. Harrison. Scouts, we have met today to discuss 
plans for our summer camping trip. But before we pro- 
ceed with that business. I should like to say that our young 
German friend, Hans Pretzelhaus, has successfully passed 
the Tenderfoot test, and is now enrolled as a regular mem- 
ber of the Eagle Patrol. Step forward a moment Hans. 

7 



8 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

(Hans gets up awkivardly and starts C. but stumbles and 
falls.) 

Hans. Py chiminy, vot vos der matter, alreaty yet? 
(Scouts stifle laughter. Hans rises sheepishly to his feet.) 

Mr. Harrison. Scout Pretzelhaus, we are glad to wel- 
come you as a member of the Eagle Patrol, and feel sure 
that with the proper training, you will do honor to the pa- 
trol. You will need a good deal of instruction, however, 
and you must follow the example of the other scouts. You 
may now be seated. (Hans sits down.) Now about the 
camping plans. The principal question that confronts us 
is "Where shall we make our camp?" I shall be pleased to 
hear some suggestions from the boys. (Mr. Harrison sits 
dozvn.) 

Harry. I suggest that we go to Silver Creek. There's 
lots of fishin' an' swimmin' there. We can use our canoes, 
too, an' make a raft. 

Simon (interrupting). Yes, and be ate up alive by the 
mosquitoes. I think — 

Stanley (with rap of gavel). Scout Silver, you are 
out of order. 

Simon (rising and bozviny profusely) . I beg your par- 
don, but I think there are too many mos-quee-toes at Silver 
Creek. I would suggest that we name some other place. 

George. I think Black Bear's Mountain is a good place 
to go. We can — 

Hans (breaking in). Yaw? Vot vos dot you said apout 
some Plack Pears, alreaty yet? I vos preety qvick — 

Stanley. Scout Pretzelhaus, you are out of order. 

Hans (perplexedly). Oud of vot? 

Stanley. You are out of order. You should rise and 
salute the chair. 

Hans. Vich chair? 

Stanley (impatiently) . You should address me. I am 
the chair. 

Hans (astonished). You vos a chair. How vos dot, 
alreaty? 

Mr. Harrison. Scout Pretzelhaus, you don't seem to 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 9 

understand parliamentary rules very well. If you have any- 
thing to say you should rise to your feet and salute Stanley 
there. He is the chairman. Do you understand? 

Hans. Yaw, I ferstay. 

Mr. Harrison. Well, let's see you do it then. (Hans 
rises, gives an azvkivard sahite, and stands scratching his 
Jiead and gazing about perplexedly.) 

Stanley. Well, Scout Pretzelhaus, what do you wish 
to say? 

Hans. I dunno. I forgot him alreaty yet, py chiminy. 

Stanley (severely). Be seated then. Never let this 
happen again. 

Hans. Yaw. (Sits dozen sJieepishly.) 

]\Ir. Williams. I have a proposition to offer, boys, 
which I think might interest you. Far up in New York 
state in the heart of the Catskill ^Mountains, is a pretty 
lake. It is not a very large lake, and as far as I know it 
has no name. All kinds of plant and animal life are abun- 
dant there, and the lake is full of salmon and trout. I 
think this would be an excellent place for our camp. What 
do the scouts think about it? (As tJiis speech goes on the 
eyes of the boys grow zvide zvith excitement, and zvhen he 
finishes a murmur of assent passes around the room.) 

Stanley. I think that is a fine place for a camp, and we 
ought to choose it for ours. Will somebody make a motion 
to that effect ? 

Harry. IMr. Chairman, I move that we select the place 
that our Assistant Scoutmaster has suggested for our camp. 

Charlie. I second the motion. 

Stanley. Regularly moved and seconded. Are you 
ready for the question ? 

George. How are we going to reach our destined camp- 
ing grounds? 

Stanley. We can discuss that question later. All in 
favor of the motion signify by giving the Scout Sign, 
(Unanimous vote in favor.) Carried. So ordered. 

Mr. Harrison. Well boys, you have chosen a fine camp- 
ing ground. I am familiar with the spot, and can assure 



10 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

you a very pleasant camping trip. \A'e will now give our 
patrol yell and adjourn. 

Local patrol yell is here given. Just as the last words are 
being repeated, Tommie Gibbins rusJies into the room L. 
U. E., very much excited and overturning chairs, etc., in 
his icay. He rnshes up to Mr. Harrison, zuho stands C, 
gives a hasty salute and then begins to speak rather rapidly. 

ToMMiE. Excuse me, sir, for breaking in this way, but 
the awfullest thing has happened ! Little Harold St. Clair 
has been kidnapped ! He was playing in his front yard 
when a man drove up in an auto and grabbed him and put 
him in the auto and took him off and there were two other 
men in the auto, too, and Mrs. St. Clair was sitting right 
in the window and saw the whole business, and — and — 

Scouts (in concert). What! Harold St. Clair kid- 
napped ? 

Mr. Harrison. How long ago did all this happen, Tom- 
mie? 

ToMMiE. About half an hour ago, sir. Mrs. St. Clair 
is so excited she's almost wild about it and Mr. St. Clair is 
'phoning for detectives, and the police department's coming 
down to the house, and — 

Mr. Harrison. That's enough, Tommie. I shall take 
my auto out at once and try to follow the kidnappers. Do 
you know of any clue that might lead to their identity? 

ToMMiE {drawing large handkerchief from his pocket). 
Yes, sir. I found this handkerchief on the lawn in front of 
St. Clair's house, where Harold was playing. {Boys all 
gather about eagerly.) Just take a whiff of that! 

Mr. Harrison. Whew ! Chloroform ! 

ToMMiE {holding handkerchief up iii both hands). Yes, 
and here's an initial in the corner ! 

Scouts {eagerly). What is the initial? 

ToMMiE. It's the letter "J-" 

Mr. Harrison. Give me the handkerchief, please, Tom- 
mie. That is a very important clue, and may help to locate 
the kidnappers. I will be off now. There is no time to lose. 
(Exit Mr. Harrison, R. U. E.) 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 11 

George (excitedly). I wonder if he'll be able to over- 
take them? 

Mr. Williams. That is uncertain. At any rate, he will 
be able to follow after them and thus tell where they are 
headed for. But, for the present, I think we had better for- 
get this affair. Some of the scouts are a little behind in 
wigwagging, and I propose that we go out and have a few 
minutes signal practice. 

Boys {enthusiastically) . That's a good idea. Let's. 

Mr. Williams. All right. Scouts Burke and Douglas 
are already proficient in signalling, and so they are excused. 
The rest of you form single file and march down to the park. 
(Harry, George. Simon, Charlie, Hans and Tommte 
form single file in C. facing L. and exeunt, L. U. E.) 

Stanley (saluting Mr. Williams). Please, sir, can't 
Harry Carter also be excused from practice? He's a First 
Class Scout, you know, and Frank and I want to hold a 
consultation with him. 

]\Ir. Williams (smiling). What's coming ofif? Some 
sort of a scheme for tracking up kidnappers? 

Stanley. Never mind. We'll tell you our plans later. 
Can we have Harry? 

Mr. Williams. Yes, Fll send him back right away. So 
long. 

Boys. So long. (Exit ]\Ir. Williams, L. U. E.) 

Frank. What'll we do until Harry gets back? Oh, Fll 
tell you ! Let's sing that scout song that Simon made up 
the other day. 

Stanley. Bully ! We want to get that in good shape 
to sing at camp. (Boys step front in C. and stand zvith 
arms about each oilier s shoulders. They sing the follow- 
ing song: tune, "Yankee Doodle.^') 

A brave old scout 

O, once there was a brave old scout 

Way out in old Wyoming, 
He loved to travel all about 

And spent his days in roaming. 



12 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

CHORUS 

Up and down and all around, 

He wandered o'er the mountain, 

Fed on bear meat by the pound 

And drank from silvery fountain. 

One day he met a grizzly bear 

As fierce as Alexander, 
It gave him such an awful scare. 

To see that old bear stand there. 

CHORUS 

He ran right down the mountain side 

As fast as he could caper. 
And now he spends his time at home 

And reads the daily paper. 

CHORUS 

(Boys finish and scat themselves C.) 
Frank. Wyoming must be a fine state for scouting. 

Yellowstone Park is out there, too. Some day I hope to go 

there and have some real scouting. 

Stanley. Yes, that must be a great place. But maybe 

we wouldn't be so anxious to stay there either after we had 

met a big grizzly. 

Frank. Pooh! Who's afraid of bears? That song 

isn't true anyway. 

Enter Harry, L. U. E. 

Harry. Well, Pm here at last. Have you discussed any 
of our plans yet? (Sits dozvn, L. C.) 

Stanley. No, but since you have arrived we will begin. 
In the first place I think I know who the kidnappers are ! 

Frank and Harry (eagerly). Who! Who! 

Stanley. Well, I'm not sure Pm right about this, and I 
don't want either of you fellows to say a word. You re- 
member that handkerchief which Tommie found, with the 
letter **J" in the corner. In my opinion that "J" stands for 
Jackson. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 13 

Frank. Not Hugo Jackson? 

Stanley. Yes, he's the one I mean. 

Harry. By jingoes, I bet you're right. That fellow's 
none too good to stoop to anything. Only last week he was 
caught stealing money from the till in his father's store. 
He's always hard up, and perhaps he stole Harold St. Clair 
to get a ransom for him. 

Frank. Yes, but Tommie said there were two other fel- 
lows in the auto. What do you make of that? 

Stanley. That only strengthens my opinion. The two 
other fellows were Jackson's cronies, Bill Flynn and Joe 
Smith. 

Harry. By jiminy, you're right! What a head you have 
got, old man ! You ought to be a detective. 

Stanley. I'll be well satisfied if I can only detect the 
crooks in this kidnapping business. 

Frank. How did Jackson and his cronies first become 
enemies of the scouts? 

Stanley. Harry, you tell us. 

Harry. Well, this affair has always been something of 
a mystery to me, but I will tell you what I know of it. 
About two years ago, when we first organized our troop, 
Hugo Jackson was one of the leading figures in the move- 
ment. He wanted to become Patrol Leader, but being of a 
bossy disposition, the boys would not support him, and he 
was defeated. He didn't say much about his failure at the 
time, and nobody thought any more about it. But about a 
month later, when we had an entertainment and cleared 
over $60, Hugo Jackson disappeared with the proceeds. 
Ever since that time, he has been roaming the country, lead- 
ing a wild life, and has always been hostile toward the Boy 
Scouts. His cronies. Bill Flynn and Joe Smith, are crooks 
that he picked up while on his journeys. 

Frank. And didn't you ever tackle him about that $60 
that he took? 

Harry. Yes, I met him one day and asked him to return 
the money. He blustered about a good deal and denied that 
he took it. Said that he had handed it all over to Stanley 



14 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

before he left town. I knew this was only a 1)kif¥, but it 
was useless to argue with him. 

Frank. Well, he's a bigger crook than I ever thought 
he was. 

Noise and confusion off R. Enter Hans, R. U. E. 

Harry. Hoorah ! Here comes old bologna-sausage ! 

Frank. How's old Pretzelsniper, anyway? Have you 
got any sauerkraut in your pocket? (Hans sits dozvn R. C.) 

Hans. Yaw! I haf him, alreaty yet. (Dives into pocket 
and brings forth handful of cabbage, sliced so as to resemble 
sauerkraut.) Haf some. {Offers some to Frank.) 

Frank. No, thanks. I don't care for sauerkraut. 

Stanley. Perhaps Frank would rather have some Lim- 
burger cheese. 

Hans. Yaw? Veil, I haf dot, too, alreaty. {Produces 
piece of cheese.) 

Boys {holding their noses). Phew! Fresh air ! Fresh 
air ! 

Harry. Put him out ! 

Frank. Bring water ! Water ! 

Stanley. You'll have to get rid of that cheese, Hans, 
or you'll have us all suffocated. 

Hans. Yaw? Veil, I get rid of him preety qvick, al- 
reaty. {Crams cheese into his month. Boys all turn zvith 
their backs toward Hans, zvho calmly takes more cheese 
and sauerkraut from his pocket and eats it.) 

Harry {after a moment or tzvo). Say, Pretzelhaus, are 
you through with that free lunch yet? 

Hans {cramming in last bit of sauerkraut) . Yaw. 

Stanley. Well then, I guess we'll turn around again. 
Whew, what a boiler you must have, Hans. {Boys all face 
front again.) 

Frank. Come on now, Dutch, you've had a good feed, 
suppose you sing us a song. 

Hans {grinning). Alrighd. Shall I sing "Bull for der 
Shore, Sailor?" 

Frank. What! That old chestnut? Well, I guess not. 

Hans. Dot vos all I know> alreaty yet. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 15 

Harry. What fearful ignorance ! Don't you even know 
"Tipperary"? 

Hans. Dippy Mary? Who vos she? 

Frank. That's a song. 

Hans. Oh ! {Scratches his head for a moment as though 
absorbed in thought). I haf one! (Stands C, throws back 
head, opens mouth very zvide and begins to sing:) 

DOT LITTLE GOADT 

Tune: ''0 Where, Where is My Little Dog Goner 

I had a goadt py der name of Fritz, 

Und a sly .old goadt vas he ; 
He could eat more pretzels in an hour or two 

Than I could eat in dhree. 

I had a shirt mid a bosom front, 

As nice as you efer could buy, 
I had it vashed all clean und vite, 

Und laid on der grass to dry. 

Dot goadt vas shtanding righd near, preety qvick, 

He had a preety good gaul ; 
Und ven I vent der house in righd avay, 

He ate dot shirt, buttons and all. 

O vhere, O vhere is dot little goadt gone? 

For I don't see him yet anymore, 
But some day, me und der goadt und der shirt 

Vill meet on der peautiful shore. 

Boys (clapping vigorously). Encore! Encore! 

Hans (wondering) . Vot vos dot? 

Stanley. We want you to sing us another song. Gee, 
if I had a voice like you have, I'd get a job in an opera. 

Hans. Veil, I don't know some oder vons, alreaty yet. 

Harry. Well, you better learn some, then. That beauti- 
ful voice of yours should be cultivated. 

Enter Mr. Harrison, R. U. E. 



16 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Boys (in concert). What news ! What news ! Did you 
follow the kidnappers? (Mr. Harrison seats himself C. 
Boys gather round.) 

Mr. Harrison. Yes, boys, I followed the road along 
which they were said to have gone, but I failed to catch a 
glimpse of them. Several persons whom I met along the 
road said that a large auto containing three men had passed 
about half an hour before. I followed as far as the state 
border, and it is evident that they crossed this in order to 
evade the law. While in New York they will feel compara- 
tively safe. 

Stanley. And why did you give up the chase? Why 
didn't you follow them up into New York state and arrest 
them ? 

]\Ir. Harrison. Indeed, Stanley, nothing would have 
pleased me better, but I lacked authority for so doing. They 
are now outside of the state in which the crime was com- 
mitted, and I would have no legal right to touch them, even 
if I did overtake them. What we do now we must do 
largely by force, and I shall need help. 

Harry, Well, what do you propose to do? 

Mr. Harrison. Listen, boys, I'll tell you. I believe the 
kidnappers are headed straight for the Catskill Mountains. 
If so, they will be somewhere near our camp. Now we 
didn't expect to leave for camp until the middle of next 
week, but I think circumstances would justify us in start- 
ing at once, and then directing every effort toward locating 
the kidnappers. That will be real scout work, and will give 
you some valuable experience, besides. 

Boys (enthusiastically). Hurrah! That's what we'll do! 

Mr. Harrison, Good. I see you are ready for work. 
Of course, you will have to go home first and get your par- 
ents' consent and make the necessary preparations. The 
tents, supplies and paraphernalia are all ready, so we can 
make an almost immediate start. Where are the other 
scouts ? 

Frank. They're out in the park with Mr. Williams, 
practicing signalling. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 17 

Mr. Harrison. Very well. We'll notify them on our 
way home. Let us be quick now, and report here in an hour. 

(Exeunt all L. U. E. Curtain drops, remains dozvn for 
a moment to indicate passing of an hour, and rises discov- 
ering all the Scouts gathered in circle about Mr. Harri- 
son, zvho stands in C. All zvear full uniforms and have 
full hiking equipment, including haversack, canteen, axe and 
blanket.) 

Mr. Harrison. Well, boys, that was quick work, and 
your hearty and unanimous response shows that you have 
been putting into practice the Scout Motto. Every lad on 
deck, prepared from tip to toe ! That's fine. And now, 
let's give our yells and we'll be off. All ready — 
{They give the follozving yell:) 

Chic-a-laca ! Chic-a-laca ! 

Chow ! Chow ! Chow ! 
Boom-a-laca ! Boom-a-laca ! 

Bow ! Wow ! Wow ! 
Yell it ! Shout it ! Bing, Bang, Stamp ! 
Boy Scouts ! Boy Scouts ! Off to camp ! 

(Other yells may then be given, such as ''America,'' ''Sky- 
rocket,'' "Scout Rank Yell," etc. Last of all, the follozu- 
ing camp yell is given:) 

Bing-a-bang ! Bing-a-bang ! 

Zing ! Zing ! Zing ! 
Here's our camp yell. 

Let it ring! 
Fried pertaters, hardtack, stew ! 
Off for camp ! Hurrah ! Hurroo ! 

Curtain. 



18 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 



Act II. 

Scene: Camp. Woods in background. Tzvo tents 
pitched in rear of stage facing front. Fireplace betzveen 
the tzvo tents, over zvhich szvings a large kettle suspended 
on a tripod. Bugle blozvs reveille as curtain rises. Dis- 
cover bugler standing in C. One by one, the other boys 
come out of the tent. Hans comes last, rubbing his eyes 
and gazing about sleepily. 

Mr. Harrison. Well, boys, we've passed onr first night 
in camp ! How do you like it ? 

Boys {in chorus). Fine! Great! Bully! 

Charlie. I slept like a top ! 

George. Same here. I'll tell you what, this is the life 
for me ! 

Simon. * I'm just bubbling over. Say fellows, this is the 
ideal place for the poet. Just listen to this {recites the 
follozving verses, making many profuse and comical ges- 
tures). 

PORK and beans 

The golden sun peeps o'er the hill, 

And smiles upon our camp ; 
I hear the little bubbling rill, 

The ground with dew is damp ; 
A robin sits in yonder tree, 

A-swinging to and fro, 
And sings a little song to me. 

In accents sweet aud low. 

And yet, I feel sad and annoyed. 

These beauties all grow still ; 
Within — there yawns an aching void, 

These things can never fill ! 
Is there no balm in Gilead? 

Ah, yes ! There is a means ! 
I'd soon be gay if I only had 

A — plate of pork and beans ! 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 19 

Harry. Hurrah ! Them's my sentiments. . 

Frank. I second the motion. 

Hans. Och, such a rotten poetry. It gifs you a pain in 
der — 

Simon {'interrupting). Well, could you do any better? 

Hans. Veil, I vouldn't be afraid to take a shance, al- 
reaty yet. 

Boys {encouragingly). Hurrah! That's the spirit, Hans. 
Go to it. Show 'im what you can do ! 

Simon {mockingly). Yes. Go ahead. Show 'im, if you 
can. 

Hans. Veil, py golly, I vill go ahead. Here goes, if you 
don't belief it. (Hans recites tJie following, making many 
pauses, and scratching Jiis head a good deal in betzvccn.) 

Good Old Limburger 
O, look at der peautiful sunset, 

A-rising o'er der trees, 
Und der schmell of der good old Limburger 

A-floating on der breeze. 
I see der leetle cabbage fly 

A-flyin' all around, 
Und he buzzes some more mit his golden vings, 

Und he flops dem on der ground. 
He knows vhere der good old Lim — 
Simon {ivith a pretense at fainting). Stop! For the 
love of ^schylus, Sophocles and Euripides, and all the 
poets, stop ! 

Hans. Vot's der matter, already yet? Ain'd dot alrighd? 
Simon {zveakly). All right! Suffering alligators — ain'd 
dot alrighd ! {Fiercely tv F[ans.) What on earth has Lim- 
burger cheese and cabbage flies got to do with the refined 
and exceedingly genteel art of versification? You ought to 
be hung for murder, that's what ! 

Hans {terrified). For murder! Vot you mean? 
Simon. Why, for butchering the English language. 
{All hit oh) 

Mr. Harrison. Well, boys, there's lots to be done this 
morning, so we'll have to get busy. The first thing on the 



20 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

program is to get breakfast ready. T'll appoint George 
Hicks as cook for today.- So, George, you get the pot a- 
humming and cook a good, square meal for us. (George 
(joes to fire, stirs in pot, brings forth meat, potatoes, etc., and 
busies himself around fire.) The secret of the success of any 
cr.mp Hes in a systematic division of labor. Now, I propose to 
give each boy his task, and expect each to perform his will- 
ingly. Charlie, you and Simon go upon the slope yonder, 
and try to locate a good spring of drinking w^ater. If you 
find one, send us a signal and I'll send the boys up with a 
pail to fetch some water. (Simon and Charlie salute and 
exit L. U. E.) And Hans, you and Tommie hunt up some 
good, dry firewood. (Hans and Tommie salute and exit 
R. U. E.) Now I should like to hold a council with the 
troop officers. We must discuss our plans for the day's 
activities. (Stanley, Harry, Frank and Mr. Williams 
here gather about Mr. Harrison. All seat themselves on 
ground in front of tents.) As you all know, our principal 
object during our stay here is sport and recreation. But we 
also have an important duty before us. I am quite certain 
that the kidnappers of little Harold St. Clair are hiding up 
here In these mountains, somewhere near our camp. Dur- 
ing our stay here, we must make every efifort to locate them. 
I believe our Assistant Scoutmaster has some Important 
information for us. 

Mr. Williams. Yes, I have a clue that might lead to 
something. At any rate, I think It is worth trying. 

Boys (eagerly). What is it? 

Mr. Williams. Well, I'll tell you my story. Last night, 
you remember, just before we turned in, we talked about 
posting sentries to guard the camp, but after considering the 
question we thought it would not be necessary. So we all 
tumbled ofif to bed and left our camp unguarded. I was a 
little uneasy about this, for, although T did not contemplate 
any danger, I thought it best to be on the safe side. But I 
did not want to disturb others with my misgivings, so I said 
nothing and went to bed with the rest. About one o'clock 
in the morning, I awoke with a start. I had been having a 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 21 

troubled dream about thieves breaking into camp. I tried 
to forget it and fall back to sleep, but somehow or other my 
dream clung to me, and I lay awake thinking about it. Sud- 
denly I heard footsteps outside the tent ! I sat up and gazed 
about. Everyone in the tent was fast asleep, and I counted 
every boy. I knew then that it was none of the scouts that 
I heard outside. For a few seconds all was silence, and 
then — I heard voices, conversing in a hoarse whisper just 
outside the tent ! I arose cautiously and stole over to the 
side from which the voices came. Placing my ear against 
the canvas, I could hear the conversation! (Mr. Williams 
pauses.) 

Boys {excitedly). You could? 

Stanley. And what did you hear? 

Mr. Williams. Well, there was no mistaking the first 
voice I heard. It was the coarse, bullying voice of Hugo 
Jackson ! 

Boys. What ! Hugo Jackson ? 

Mr. Williams. Yes. And this is what he said : "Blame 
these pesky scouts, anyway. I'm afraid some of them will 
wake up and spoil our plans." Then came another voice, 
"Are you sure the boy you want is here?" "Sure" was the 
reply, "Tommie Gibbins is the one. His father is worth 
half a million, and we ought to get some ransom for him. 
If we get a thousand for him and a thousand for the St. 
Clair kid, we'll have enough to set us up out west." "That's 
so," said the other. "But how are vou going to get this 
Gibbins kid?" "Well," replied Jackson, "You lift the can- 
vas and grab him. Then hand him to me and I'll rush to 
the cave with him." 

Harry. The measly rascals ! They wanted to kidnap 
Tommie, too ! 

Mr. Williams. Yes, but luckily their scheme failed. 
Just then, the wind broke a limb off of a rotten tree some- 
where in back of the camp, and It fell with a crash. I 
guess the noise scared the rogues away, for I heard nothing 
more of them, although I kept awake from that time until 
morning. 



22 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Mr. Harrison. Well, Morris, your experience of last 
night furnishes us with a number of excellent clues. We are 
now certain that Hugo Jackson and his cronies are the kid- 
nappers, and we know that they are located somewhere near 
this camp. We also know that their hiding place is a cave. 
By making use of our knowledge of scouting, we ought to 
be able to track them to their cave. We will follow our 
regular program this morning, and this afternoon we will 
send out scouting parties in every direction to try to locate 
the kidnappers. Does this plan meet with your approval ? 

Boys (eagerly). You bet it does ! 

Mr. Harrison. Good. I see you are ready for the 
work. That is the true scout spirit. 

Frank (jumping up suddenly and looking off L.). Look, 
fellows! There's Simon and tharlie up on the mountain 
there. See, they're getting ready to wigwag a message. 

Stanley. Quick, Frank, get the signal flag. I'll take 
the message and you, Harry, write it down. (Frank brings 
signal flag from tent and hands it to Stanley. Harrv pro- 
duces paper and pencil and gets ready to zvrite.) Already 
now? Here comes the message. 

Harry. Already. 

Stanley (repeating message). W-e h-a-v-e f-o-u-n-d 
w-a-t-e-r. 

Harry (reading message). We have found water. 

Stanley. All right, we'll take the buckets and go up for 
some at once. Wait until I give them an answer. 

(Stanley wigwags a short message. Ctirtain drops as 
he signals to indicate passing of time, during which scouts 
are supposed to eat breakfast. Curtain rises discovering 
Mr. Harrison standing in C. He blows zvhistle and scouts 
appear, Stanley and Frank from R. U. E.; Harry and 
George from L. U. E.; IMr. Williams, Simon and Charlie 
from tent, L.; and Hans and Tommie from tent, R. Each 
salutes and stands at attention as he appears. Mr. Harri- 
son then puts them through regular military drill, etc. 
(This is a good opportunity for the troop to zvork in any 
special feats or stunts that they knozv.) After this the boys 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 23 

engage in scout games, such as Badger Pulling, Cock Fight- 
ing, Horse and Rider, Hand Wrestling, etc.) 

Curtain drops to indicate passing of time, and rises on 
stage entirely dark except for the light of the camp fire. 
Discover George, Simon, Charlie, Hans a)id Tommie 
seated about the camp fire, and Frank pacing up and down 
in front of the tents, peering from time to time into the 
darkness of the woods. 

Simon Well, Frank, what's the matter with you? You 
look as if you lost your last friend, and were peering out 
there in the chilly mist of the cold, damp woods to catch a 
glimpse of his ghost. (Shudders.) 

Frank, ^^'ell, to tell the truth, it is nearly that bad. 
Stanley and Harry have been out in the mountains search- 
ing for the kidnappers all afternoon. Here it is, half past 
eight, and they haven't got back yet. 

Simon. Why, that's so. Seems as if I forgot all about 
that. Fve been so busy — so busy — a — ahem — a-making 
poetry and so forth — a — suppose I recite a few lines of — 

Frank. Simon ! Can you never be sensible ? Don't you 
see we are in a serious position? \Miat if those mean, con- 
temptible, low-down — er — I mean what if the kidnappers 
got hold of them and maybe killed them? (Continues to 
pace up and down.) 

Simon (with wild gestures). Thy tragic picture is over- 
drawn — I, er — ahem — 

George. For goodness sake, somebody sit on his head 
and keep him quiet. 

Simon (trying to appear very much hurt). Spare thy- 
self the trouble. ^ly poetic outbursts have been scorned by 
tliose I love. Thou couldst not hire me to speak. 

Hans. Veil, nobody vants to hire you, so blease keep 
quiet. 

Charlie. \\'here are Mr. Harrison and ^Ir. Williams? 

Frank. They started out about an hour ago to search 
for Stanley and Harry. I wish they would come back. It's 
very dark tonight, and easy to get lost in the mountains. 

Simon. Oh, you're worse than some old quack. You 



24 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

ought to look at the bright side of things. And say, that 
reminds me of a little poem I made up, entitled — 

George. See here. I thovtght you weren't going to recite 
any more of that rotten poetry. 

Simon. Well, I haven't recited any, have I? I merely 
said that the title was ''The Bright Side of a Silver Dollar." 

George. Well, what's the joke? 

Simon. \Miy, both sides are bright, of course. 

George. \Yq\\, Simon, you win. So you consider your- 
self to be a silver dollar, as you term it? 

Simon. Sure. I'm a genuine Simon Silver dollar. I 
believe in being cheerful whether it's summer or winter, day 
or night, rain or shine. "Behind the clouds the sun's still 
shining" the folks used to say, and I believe that's the best 
old saying I know. What's the seventh point of the Scout 
Law? 

Boys (in chorus). A scout is cheerful. 

Simon. \Yq\\, that's why I'm cheerful. I believe in be- 
ing a zvhole scout, not eleven-twelfths of one. 

Frank. Good boy, Simon ! That's the right spirit. 
Here's my hand and I'll never interfere with your verses 
again, if you keep it up until I'm daffy. 

George. Same here. (Gives Simon Jiis hand.) I'm 
with you hereafter, Simon. 

Hans. Pully for dot poy, ain'd it alreaty yet? He vos 
von corker und no mishtake ! 

Charlie (jumping up suddenly). Say, fellows, don't 
you hear something that sounds like a scout whistle, way 
off there to the north? (Boys all listen and faint sound of 
scout zvhistle is heard off L.) 

Frank. Hurrah ! It's ]\Ir. Harrison and ]\Ir. Williams. 
Wait, I'll give them a signal. (Takes out whistle and 
blozvs a succession of short, sharp blasts.) There, that 
ought to bring them. Yes, they're answering. I'll give it 
again. (Repeats message.) 

Enter i\lR. Harrison and ]\Ir. Williams, L. U. E., look- 
ing rather tired and discouraged. 

Boys (eagerly). Did you find them? 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 25 

Mr. Harrison. No, boys, I am sorry to say we did not. 
It is so dark on the mountain that it is useless to search for 
them tonight. In all probability, that rascally Jackson and 
his gang captured them, but I do not think any harm will 
befall them. They are brave lads and I am sure they will 
act like true scouts in an emergency. The first thing in the 
morning, we will make a thorough search. And now, I 
think we had better turn in and get a good night's rest. 
It will be necessary to post sentries tonight, and I will ap- 
point Scouts Silver and Moore for the first watch. They 
will be relieved at twelve o'clock by Scouts Douglas and 
Pretzelhaus, and at three o'clock. Scouts Hicks and Gibbins 
will watch. 

(Bttgic sounds Taps, and curtain falls, remains down for 
a moment and then rises slozvly, discovering sentries pacing 
lip and dozvn in front of camp.) 

Slow Curtain. 



Act til 



Scene I : Kidnappers' cave. A background of rocks 
painted on a canvas zvoiild he very effective. If this is not 
obtainable, a screen of dark-colored canvas in the rear zvill 
do. Room should appear very bare. Old table and chair 
R. C, chair L. C, and chair L. are the only furniture. A 
smoky oil lamp flickers on the table. Stage is partially dark- 
ened. 

Curtain rises discovering Joe seated at table R. C, zvrif- 
ing ; Hugo on cJiair L. C; Bill lounging on floor R.; Har- 
old St. Clair seated on chair L. Stanley and Harry are 
seated on floor in rear of C. and tied zvith heavy ropes. 
Silence for a moment after curtain rises. Then — 

Hugo. Well, Joe, ain't you got that letter written yet? 

Joe. Yep, almost. It'll be done in about a minute. 

Hugo. Well, hurry up. It's time we got that ran- 
som, an' I'm in no mood for foolin' time away. (Silence 
again for a moment during zvhich Joe continues to zvrite.) 



26 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Joe. Haw, haw ! Well, here slie i^, all done. Quite a 
piece of literchiire ! Haw, haw ! 

Hugo. Well, shut up your hlamed haw-hawin' and read 
it to us. 

Joe. All right, here it is. (Reads.) 

Hon. Garfield St. Clair, Dear Sir : — The party as writes 
this letter thinks as how he can give you some informashun 
concerning the whereabouts of your small son, Harold St. 
Clair. He is in the hands of desperit men and unless he is 
rescued soon will proberly be killed. Leave the sum of 
$2000 in the hollow in the big oak tree about half a mile 
north of your town and your son will come home safe. Re- 
fuse and only deth can be the result. Mum is the word. H 
you blow, the boy will be killed at onct. 

Signed, King Zuzaw. 

Bill. Har, har, bar ! King Zuzaw ! An' who might 
that be ! Ho, ho ! 

Joe. Ho, ho ! Didn't I tell you it was first class liter- 
chure ? 

Hugo. Well, when you two boobs get through laugh- 
ing we'll be able to do some business. 

Bill. Ho, ho ! The **King" don't apprishiate his new 
title. W^ell, what's the business? 

Hugo. The letter is all right, but we got to make the kid 
sign it in order to make it genuine. (To Harold St. Clair.) 
Come over here, you young brat. 

Harold. Are you talking to me? 

Hugo. Yes. I say come over here, and be quick. 

Harold. Well, if you want me to come there, then call 
me by my right name. I don't answer to the name of 
"brat." 

Hugo (rising in fury). Do you dare to speak that way 
to me, you young scamp? I'll break every bone in your 
body, if you talk to me that way again. Come here. 

Harold. I'll never come unless you ask me decently. 

Hugo. Well, then, I'll thrash you till you can't stand up. 
(Takes huge ivhip from floor and advances tozvard Harold, 
who shrinks hack into the corner.) 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 27 

Stanley, pfere, you big bully. Don't you dare hit him. 

Hugo. Well, Butinski, what have you to say? If you 
don't shut up I'll give you a taste of it, too. 

Stanley. You're a coward and a sneak, if you hit a 
defenseless boy. You haven't got a spark of humanity in 
your body if you do a thing like that. 

Hugo {standing aghast). What! That to me? 

Harry. Yes, that and more. Ever since you brought us 
to this cave you've kept these heavy ropes on us, and my 
back is so stiff and sore that I'm almost dead. I know 
Stanley must be the same way. That proves that you're a 
coward. You're afraid to take the ropes off and face us 
squarely. 

Hugo. Bah ! You're a good gabber, but that don't go. 
Them ropes will stay right where they are until I'm good 
and ready to remove them. Haw, haw ! It was a lucky 
stroke when I caught you two young sneaks a-spyin' around 
our cave. This'll teach you to mind your own business 
hereafter. 

Stanley. We do mind our own business, thank you. 
It's the business of any respectable person to hunt down a 
lawless rascal like you, and put him where he can do no 
more harm. 

Hugo {in fierce anger). You'll suffer for this! I'll tell 
you, you'll suffer! And just to prove it, I'm going to 
thrash the both of you till you can't stand up. Here Joe, 
you and Bill stand these rascals up here till I thrash them. 

Bill and Joe grab the two hoys and stajid them iip in C. 
Hugo raises whip and is about to deliver a blozv, zvhen there 
comes a rush off R., and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Williams 
and the Scouts rush in, R. U. E. Mr. Williams grabs 
Jackson, Mr. Harrison tackles Bill and George and 
Hans overpozvers Joe. 

Stanley. It's the scouts ! We're saved ! Hurrah ! 

Harry. Hurrah! Saved — just in the nick of time! 

{The crooks are handcuffed by Mr. Williams and stood 
off L. The Scouts take the ropes off of Stanley and 
Harry. Mr Harrison turns to the latter.) 



28 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Mr. Harrison. Well, boys, you've had quite an experi- 
ence with these rogues, but you are safe now. You have 
conducted yourselves like true scouts, and I am proud of 
30U. (Taking Harold by the hand and leading him to C.) 
Come here, Harold. I'm sure that my greatest pleasure is 
to find you safe. I shall lose no time in bringing you home, 
and tomorrow you will be in your father's arms. 

Harold. Oh, Mr. Harrison, how can I ever thank the 
scouts for saving me? Those awful men whipped me, and 
starved me, and might have killed me if it were not for the 
scouts. 

Mr. Harrison {motioning L.). And as for these un- 
fortunate young men who are responsible for this crime, I 
shall take them back to Pennsylvania and have them placed 
in a good, reliable reformatory. Boys, it is not our place 
to censure them for their wrong doings, but rather, as good 
scouts, to try to help them to live better lives hereafter. 
For this reason, I have decided not to turn them over to the 
law, but to give them another chance to make good in the 
world. So, Morris, I guess you can take those handcuffs 
off. (Handcuffs are removed.) 

Hugo (rnshing over to Mr. Harrison and grabbing his 
hand). Sir, you're the whitest man I've ever seen. I know 
I've done wrong, but I'm ready to repent and try to do bet- 
ter in the future. I've done a good many dirty things 
against the scouts, but I'm willing to make good, if you give 
me a chance. I'll go to the reformatory and try to make a 
man of myself. 

Joe. Same here. I'm going to be white from this on. 

Bill. An' I'm goin' t' do the same. I found this Scout 
Book in this young feller's pocket (indicating Stanley) and 
this is what it says: (Reads from Scout Handbook.) "A 
scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, 
kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." 
Well, that's what I'm goin' t' try t' be hereafter. I'm goin' 
t' adopt the Scout Law as my motto. 

Mr. Harrison. Hurrah! You see, boys, we've really 
done a greater thing than save Harold from the kidnappers. 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 29 

We've aided three young men to turn over new leaves, and 
lead honest, upright and industrious lives. Let's all repeat 
the Scout oath before we start back for camp. (The three 
crooks stand C. and Scouts all gather around as Scout oath 
is repeated.) 

Mr. Williams. Well, boys, let's be moving on toward 
camp. I see the sun is already setting behind the western 
hills. 

Simon. You're right. And that reminds me of a little 
poem I made up entitled — 

Curtain. 

Scene II : Sitting room in St. Clair home. Any appro- 
priate set ivill do. 

Curtain rises discovering Mrs. St. Clair seated R. C. 
playing some instrument, such as violin, and Helen St. 
Clair standing R. C, singing. Mr. St. Clair sits C. hold- 
ing Harold in his lap. Song ends and Helen St. Clair 
seats herself L. C. 

Mr. St. Clair. Ah, Harold, how glad I am to have you 
safely back home. There was a time when I feared I should 
never see 3'ou again. 

Harold. It might have been so, father, ,if it were not 
for the Boy Scouts. 

Mr. St. Clair. That's true, Harold. We owe a great 
deal to the scouts. I have invited them over this afternoon 
to thank them for their services. (Takes out zvatch.) It's 
time they were here now. 

Bell rings outside. Enter Thomas L. U. E. 

Thomas. Please, sir, there's a lot of young chaps out 
here with uniforms on, and they say they want to see you. 

Mr. St. Clair. Ah, the Boy Scouts, I presume. Bring 
them in here, Thomas. 

Thomas. Yes, sir. (Exit Thomas L. U. E.) 

Mrs. St. Clair. Do be liberal with the boys, father. 
You know, we owe the life of our dear Harold to them. 



30 THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 

Enter Stanley, Harry, Frank, George, Simon, Char- 
lie, Hans and Tommie, L. U. E., in order named. Boys 
march R. and stand at attention in rear of stage. Mr. St. 
Clair places Harold in his chair and advances. 

Mr. St. Clair. \Yd\, boys, Pm glad to see you. Give 
me your hands, all of you. I'm proud to shake hands with 
such brave and manly boys. When I think that I owe the 
life of my only son to you — ah, what would I have done 
without my boy? (Takes handkerchief and zvipes eyes.) 

Stanley (stepping C). I'm sure we appreciate your 
kind words, Mr. St. Clair, and we feel that we only did 
our duty in saving Harold. In our Scout Oath we promised 
to "help other people at all times," and we were merely 
trying to live up to our obligations. 

Mr. St. Clair. Yes, my boy, but it takes brave -and 
resolute lads, even though they are scouts, to face such dan- 
gers as you encountered. And now, as a token of .my grati- 
tude, let me present you with this small gift. (Takes out 
roll of bills.) 

Stanley. Thank you, sir, but we cannot think of accept- 
ing money for any service we might have been able to ren- 
der. Boy Scouts never take a ''tip" for a "good turn." 

Mr. St. Clair. But, I shall have to pay my detectives 
a large sum, and they did not round up the kidnappers 
either. Besides, you have actually saved me two thousand 
dollars in cash, the sum demanded by the kidnappers. Surely 
you will receive at least half of this amount, not as a just 
remuneration for your services, but merely as a small install- 
ment of the great debt I owe you. 

Stanley. I hope you'll excuse us, sir, but we can't 
take it. (Stanley retires R., taking place zvith Scouts.) 

Enter Thomas L. U. E. zvith Mr. Harrison and Mr. 
Williams. Exit Thomas. 

]\Ir. St. Clair (advancing and shaking hands). Good 
afternoon, gentlemen. I am indeed glad to see you. I have 
just been trying to persuade your boys to accept a little gift 
as a token of my appreciation for the valuable services they 



THE BOY SCOUTS' GOOD TURN 31 

rendered in saving my boy. They are right stubborn young 
chaps and persistently refuse to accept my money. Pray, 
be seated. (Mr. Harrison sits dozvn L., Mr. Williams 
sits R. Mr. St. Clair remains standing in C) 

]Mr. Harrison. The boys are right, Mr. St. Clair. We 
train them not to receive any money for their "good turns." 
It aids them to be helpful and willing, and guards against 
selfishness. 

Mr. St. Clair. But what can I do to show my gratitude ? 
Tell me, boys, wiiat is your greatest desire, and if it is in 
my power, it shall be granted. 

Helen. I'll tell you, father. Why don't you give the 
boys a trip across the continent to Yellowstone Park, or 
some place? I'm sure, if I were a boy, there's nothing I 
should like better. 

Mr. St. Clair. The very thing ! I should like to see good 
old Yellowstone myself, for I once spent three years out in 
that country. What do you say boys, will you accept a 
trip across the continent to Yellowstone Park? 

Stanley. What do you say, boys. Do we accept Mr. 
St. Clair's kind offer? 

Scouts (in chorus). Ay, ay ! 

Mr. St. Clair. Good ! That's what I like to hear ! And 
just to prove my companionship, and the great fancy I've 
taken for you, I propose to accompany you on the trip. 
(Aside to Mr. Harrison.) I'll tell you what, this scout 
movement is a great thing, even for us older folks. (Mr. 
St. Clair sits dozvn C. again taking Harold on his lap.) 

Mr. Harrison. It certainly is. I, myself, feel at least 
ten years younger since I've been interested in scouting. 

Mr. Williams (rising). And now, boys, before we go, 
let's give three cheers for ]\Ir. St. Clair and Yellowstone 
Park. (Mr. Harrison rises.) 

Scouts (enthusiastically). Hurrah ! Hurrah ! ! Hurrah ! ! ! 

Curtain. . 



The Boy Scout Hero 

By EDWIN PULLER 
Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy-drama for boys, in 2 acts; 17 males. Time, 1^^ hours. 
Scene: 1 exterior, easy to set. A boy scout troop on its annual 
camp in the woods find a street gamin who is living in a cave 
with a hobo. He is rescued from a career of crime, procures a 
fine position, and in the end becomes a favorite with the boys and 
qualifies as an Eagle Scout. It is an interesting dramatic story 
well supplied with action and comedy; introduces boy scout stunts; 
true to scout principles and written by a scoutmaster of six 
years' experience. SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Bing tries to make a sale. "We don't eat stolen 
chickens." "Dese ain't stole; dey was jest swiped when de 
farmer wasn't lookin'." Red Mike in search of Bing. The accu- 
sation and the attack. "No you don't." Scouts overpower Red 
Mike and bind his hands and feet. Bing starts to leave. "Stay 
here in camp with us." "Gimme a chance, fellers, won't ye?" 
Red Mike threatens the boys and is reminded of a safe robbery 
for which he has been hunted. "I don't wanna talk to no sheriff." 
Red Mike released. "I ain't got nobody now but youse guys an* 
I'm a-goin' to make good or bust a suspender." 

Act II. — Two years have passed. Skinny relates a thrilling 
adventure in which Bing has proven the hero, "Here's the snake's 
rattle." "We're proud to have you in our troop." Performance of 
scout stunts. Bing wins all the contests except one. "I am proud 
to pin on your breast this Eagle Scout badge." "You have proven 
yourself a Boy Scout Hero." 

What's in a Name? 

By FANNY CANNON 
Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy; 2 males, 3 females. Time, 25 minutes. A girl objects 
to the loss of woman's distinctiveness by the change in name upon 
marriage. She marries and attempts to retain her maiden name 
but a few days of misunderstandings and complications teach 
her the folly of it. Exceptionally clever and humorous. Written 
especially for President's Day, New York Theatre Club, and pro- 
duced under the direction of the author on the occasion of the 
Club's Annual Breakfast, at Hotel Astor, with a cast of profes- 
sional players. 

The Goose Creek Line 

By CARABEL LEWIS MUNGER 

Price, 15 Cents 

A comedy in 2 acts; 3 males, 10 females. Time, 1 hour. 
Scenes: 2 interiors. The fun and incident of this lively play 
concern the installation and completion of a telephone line — the 
first in Goose Creek Hollow. It abounds in humorous incidents 
of the rural section and the characters are true to life. It was 
especially written for Chautauqua County, New York grange, and 
has been produced in manuscript numerous times with decided 
success. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Price 15 Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price is Given 



Winning Widow, 2 acts, iy^ hrs. 

(25c) 2 4 

Women Who Did, 1 In-. . . (25c) 17 
Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 8 3 



FARCES. COIMEDIETAS, Etc. 



AH on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 

April Fools, 30 min 

Assessor, The, 10 min 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 
Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 

Billy's Mishap, 20 min 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 
Borrowing Trouble, 20 min. . , . 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 2 

Country Justice, 15 min 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 

Divided Attentions, 35 min 

Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min. . . . 

Family Strike, 20 min 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 

For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 
Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 
Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 
Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 
Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min . . J 
Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 
I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 
Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 
Is the Editor In? 20 min... 
Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min 

Mike Donovan's Courtship. 15 m. 
Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 
Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 
My Wife's Relations, 1 hr.... 
Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 niin 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 
Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 

Regular Fix, 35 min 

Second Childhood, 15 min.... 

Shadows, 35 min 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 
Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 

Taming a Tiger, 30 min 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 

Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 
Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 

Turn Him Out, 35 min 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 
Two Ghosts in White, 20 min . . 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min. . 
Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 
Wanl^d a Hero, 20 min 



4 6 
3 

3 2 

19 

2 3 

2 3 
5 

3 5 
3 

8 

3 2 

1 4 

4 2 

3 3 
4 

2 1 
5 

6 10 
6 

4 3 

3 2 



5 3 
3 

3 2 

4 4 



Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrorig Baby, 25 min 8 

Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, IMON- 
OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. 

Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min.... 2 3 
Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Colored Ploneymoon, 25 min... 2 2 
Coon Creek Courtship, 15 min. 1 1 
Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.l4 

Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 

Darktown Fire Brigade, 25 min. 10 
Doings of a Dude, 20 min.... 2 1 

Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 

For Reform, 20 min 

Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min . . 
Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 
Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min. . 

Her Hero, 20 min 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 

Home Run, 15 min 

Jumbo Jum, 30 min 

Little Red School House, 20 m. 

Love and Lather, 35 min 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 

Memphis Mose, 25 min 

Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 

Mistaken Miss, 20 min 

Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min.... 

Oh, Doctor! 30 min 

One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 
Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min.. 4 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 

Pickles for Two, 15 min 2 

Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 
Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 

Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 

Si and I, 15 min 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. 2 
Sunny Son of Itaty, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 
Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 
LTmbrella Mender, 15 min.... 2 

Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 

What Happened to Hannah, 15m. 1 



1 1 

6 2 



A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Piays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 1 54 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



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Price, Illustrated Paper Covers, 



(^oTifI)ingsfor 

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IS DtNlSOU & tOMPAr 1 



IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attrac t i v c 
individual cov- 
er design. 



A Partial Lkt 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Lrand new, original 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 50,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish. Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 




Monolo 

Dra 

Scrap- E 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry, lo \os., per No. 2ac 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' L lertainer. 

Monologr,' ' dialogues, driL . 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, gam ^. 
The Days. . e Celebrate. 

ILntertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, e iciircs, recital .5. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a i)Ook. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Liidget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely c ril features. 
Pranks arid Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Chadcfw Pictures, F*antomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Enter+ainmer.t?. 

A choice Christinas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Clack American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

^lonologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,via the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Fiinry stories, jok'~->, gags. etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S.DENISON&COIVIPANY,Publishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago i 



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